Improved seismic safety and design through lightweight membrane ceiling renovation

Taiyo Kogyo Corporation (Head Office: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Osaka Head Office: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President and CEO: Yuki Nomura), a company specializing in large membrane structures (tent structures), civil engineering, and logistics materials, was responsible for the membrane ceiling construction during the renovation of the Main Arena at Ikiiki Land Katano (Katano City, Osaka Prefecture). The facility reopened on May 1st.

This project is characterized by its aim to reduce the load on structural members by replacing existing ceiling materials with lightweight membrane materials, while also creating a light and aesthetically superior space. The lightweight and flexible nature of the membrane material achieves both improved seismic safety and a comfortable arena environment, contributing to the enhanced value of the existing facility.

Membrane ceiling above seating Ikiiki Land Katano Main Arena interior

Improved seismic safety with a lightweight membrane ceiling

Ikiiki Land Katano, completed in 1997 as a comprehensive sports facility for Katano City, underwent renovation of its main arena ceiling as part of a large-scale refurbishment project aimed at extending its lifespan. The existing ceiling was subject to the current law's "Specified Ceiling" regulations, making it a target for this renovation.

Membrane ceilings are significantly lighter than conventional ceiling materials, a factor that was highly valued for its ability to reduce the load on existing structures, leading to its adoption. The flexible membrane material can follow seismic tremors and deformations, contributing to a reduced risk of ceiling material detachment.

For renovations of existing facilities, the ability to enhance safety without placing a significant burden on the structural frame is one of the major advantages of membrane ceilings.

Creating a comfortable arena space through design

Membrane ceilings are light and possess high aesthetic qualities, enhancing the design of a space. Furthermore, the adoption of sound-absorbing membrane materials is effective in creating an optimal acoustic environment for competitions and events.

Notably, the roof of this facility has utilized Type A membrane, a material Taiyo Kogyo was involved in installing during its completion in 1997, demonstrating the long-term utilization of membrane structures.

Type A membrane used for the roof (completed in 1997) Exterior view at the time of completion in 1997

Effectiveness of membrane ceilings in seismic countermeasures

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, numerous reports of ceiling collapses in buildings with large spaces such as gymnasiums, theaters, commercial facilities, and factories emerged (*1), highlighting the need for seismic reinforcement of non-structural components like ceiling materials.

Triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake, revisions to the Building Standards Act Enforcement Order in August 2013 and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Notification No. 771 defined "Specified Ceilings" as those that could cause serious harm if detached during an earthquake, such as those exceeding 2 kg/m2.

Conversely, membrane materials weigh approximately 600 g/m2, making them significantly lighter than conventional ceiling materials. As they do not fall under the category of Specified Ceilings, they can be installed without individual verification, provided certain conditions are met.

Furthermore, flexible membrane materials not only enhance interior aesthetics but also can follow large seismic tremors (deformations), reducing the risk of ceiling detachment. Despite being a thin material, only 1 mm thick, it possesses sufficient strength to catch falling objects. These advantages have led to the adoption of membrane ceilings in the renovation and new construction of school facilities, gymnasiums, and indoor pools.

*1 Number of ceiling collapse incidents during the Great East Japan Earthquake: According to the "Response to Verification and Review of Building Standards Based on Building Damage" released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, approximately 2,000 incidents were reported.

Membrane Ceiling Projects

Asue Osaka Pool (https://www.taiyokogyo.co.jp/works/68430/) Osaka Gas Imazu General Ground Gymnasium (https://www.taiyokogyo.co.jp/works/64209/) Uchiminowa Park Citizen Gymnasium (https://www.taiyokogyo.co.jp/works/64602/)

Ikiiki Land Katano Facility Overview

Address: 2-5-1 Mukaiida, Katano City, Osaka Prefecture, 576-0065

Facilities: Main Arena, Sub Arena, Wakuwaku Pool, Ground, etc.

Membrane Ceiling Overview

Client: Katano City Hall, Osaka Prefecture

Design: Katano City Hall, Osaka Prefecture

Construction: Kyodo Kensetsu Co., Ltd.

Membrane Ceiling Construction Period: December 2025 - March 2026

Taiyo Kogyo's Scope of Work: Manufacturing and installation of membrane ceiling

Membrane Material: GOTY Aw

Membrane Surface Area: 1,062m2

About Taiyo Kogyo Corporation https://www.taiyokogyo.co.jp/

Taiyo Kogyo is a leading company in large membrane structures with over 100 years of history. At the 1970 Japan World Exposition, it achieved the world's first low-rise air-supported structure for the American Pavilion, where the roof was supported solely by air pressure. Since then, the company has participated in major projects worldwide, including the installation of the Tokyo Dome's membrane roof and the Millennium Dome (now The O2 Arena) in London, one of the world's largest dome facilities. Furthermore, for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, Taiyo Kogyo was involved in over 20 pavilions and facilities, supporting the creation of the Expo site.

With membrane structure technology, which excels in economy, constructability, light transmission, and design, Taiyo Kogyo has expanded its business beyond construction to civil engineering, logistics, and environmental fields, supporting society's safety and security.

Together with its group companies, including TSP Taiyo Inc., which handles event consulting, and Actio Corporation, which manages facility operations, the company is committed to providing new value to society under the slogan "Softening the World. Warming the Future."